Global outlets including Reuters, Sputnik, Xinhua, The New York Times and the Financial Times, alongside regional and international media organisations, have published reports and analyses underscoring Vietnam’s growing role in the region and on the global stage.

On January 19, Sputnik Vietnam carried detailed coverage of the Congress’s first working day, reporting that a preparatory session was held at the National Convention Centre in Hanoi. According to Sputnik, delegates approved the agenda of the preparatory session, the Congress’s working regulations, the official programme and the election rules by an overwhelming majority, reflecting strong consensus in the organisation of the Congress.

Earlier, Sputnik Vietnam published an article, noting that despite repeated global shocks, from the COVID-19 pandemic to prolonged geopolitical conflicts and trade tensions, Vietnam has maintained steady economic growth. Citing Argentine expert Gastón Fiorda, who has long studied Vietnam, Sputnik reported that during the tenure of the 13th Party Congress, Vietnam recorded average annual GDP growth of 5–6%, a relatively high rate by regional standards. The expert attributed this performance to effective governance, socio-political stability, and a flexible foreign policy that balances relations with major partners amid global volatility.

Reuters reported that the 14th National Party Congress officially opened in Hanoi on January 19, with nearly 1,600 delegates representing more than 5.6 million Party members nationwide. The British news agency noted that the Congress, held every five years, plays a key role in shaping Vietnam’s political direction and setting long-term economic development goals.

In related reports, Reuters highlighted large-scale administrative reforms under the leadership of Party General Secretary To Lam, including efforts to streamline the state apparatus and accelerate economic reforms. It also underscored Vietnam’s push to develop major infrastructure projects, which have drawn increased attention from foreign investors.

Reuters pointed out that draft documents of the 14th Congress were made public for consultation, emphasising priorities such as security, economic growth and ambitions for higher growth rates, while highlighting the importance of foreign affairs and national defence in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

Meanwhile, The New York Times described Vietnam as one of Asia’s most dynamic economies, calling the 14th Party Congress a politically significant event that could open new development opportunities for decades to come. It observed that global geopolitical shifts present both challenges and opportunities, with Vietnam emerging as a strategically positioned country thanks to its long coastline, expanding manufacturing capacity and growing role in global supply chains.

It also cited draft reports to the Congress indicating Vietnam’s intention to pursue a new growth model that reduces reliance on low-skilled labour and strengthens science, technology and innovation.

The Financial Times (FT) reported that the Congress takes place as Vietnam, one of the region’s fastest-growing economies, adjusts to global trade tensions and deep changes in the international economic landscape. According to the FT, efforts to shift the development model, enhance economic resilience, reform state institutions and elevate the role of the private sector reflect the leadership’s determination to achieve the goal of becoming a developed country by 2045.

From a regional perspective, China Daily reported that the Congress is getting underway as Vietnam emerges as a bright spot in Southeast Asia, citing strong GDP performance in the past year. The newspaper said draft documents place science, technology and innovation at the centre of Vietnam’s development strategy for the coming period.

Other regional and international media have also paid close attention to the event. Lao Phattana News of Laos described the Congress as a major political milestone shaping Vietnam’s strategic direction in a new era. Malaysia’s The Star published an overview of the Congress and its national significance. Cuba’s Prensa Latina highlighted the Congress’s decisive role in Vietnam’s development trajectory and reported on the atmosphere in Hanoi during the event.

Coverage has also appeared in outlets such as AFP, Bloomberg and The Diplomat.

The 14th National Party Congress runs from January 19 to 25 at the National Convention Centre in Hanoi, under the theme of advancing national development goals to 2030, strengthening strategic autonomy and resilience, and promoting peace, independence, prosperity and sustainable development in a new era.

National Party Congress preparatory session in photos

VOV.VN - The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam held its preparatory session at the National Convention Centre in Hanoi on January 19, with the participation of 1,586 delegates representing more than 5.6 million Party members nationwide